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 Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:55 pm
Bathed in twilight, the world of Below is one of rich history, potent magic and breathtaking scenery. With its crystalline woods, vast meadows of sweet grasses and soaring mountains full of strange, sparkling minerals, it is a world that is full of beauty and mystery. However, its diverse population was nearly eradicated and the landscape is marred by the terrible effects of a war that had lasted 50 years.
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:58 pm
 To see a labeled map please click the image above.
The Western Continent, also called Euros, is home to the Demons and Imps. It is well developed and full of small, cozy villages and large, bustling cities even after the War. Its weather is fairly mild, and its rolling hills and dark, beautiful meadows are crossed with roads that are easily traversed by horseless carriage.
Places of Interest:
Asphodel - Located within Asphodel Fields. Capital city of the Demons.
Asphodel Fields - The territory containing Asphodel Gardens and the three universities.
Hyperes - Major city of the Demons, currently being rebuilt.
Graven's Gift - Territory north of the Maiden's Wreath mountains, home of the imps.
Khiron - Demon city towards Auster, on the migration route from Summerforge.
Maiden's Wreath - A small cluster of mountains northwest of Asphodel and the location of Leviathan University.
Rosebud
Population: Under 300
Geography & Climate: A village about 30km from civilisation between a pair of gentle hills. A wide creek runs through the west side of the village. The village is located above a leyline, the energy of which provides especially fertile soil for farming. About half of the population lives downtown, occupying a space slightly larger than 1 km² of Rosebud's total area. The rest are dispersed throughout the countryside, living on farms or orchards. Most the roads are unpaved and pedestrians prefer travelling on foot to horseless carriages. The weather tends to be mild, if a little warm. Summers are long, though interspersed with rain. Winters are often short and fall later in the year, but intense when they arrive, bringing at least one heavy snowfall. In spring, much of the village and the surrounding countryside are covered with flowers. Sunshowers are common at this time of year.
History: Rosebud began as an unincorporated community of farmers about twenty years ago, settled by nightmares and daydreams, who wanted a fresh start away from hectic city life. What is now the downtown area, was little more than a casual trading post. As residents began to build families, so too did they build their community. Over the years, Rosebud grew from a trading post, to a community hub. Twelve years ago saw the first permanent shopfront, and a year later the first paved road. As produce became easier to export, word of the village spread. The population boomed. In the next few years the downtown developed, and proactive residents began to plan events, organisations, and architectural development. Several of these later went on to form the council that governs the village today. The population still struggled with this new success; they managed to source a city lawyer - Belladonna - to act as town manager. The hybrid has placed priority on trade and town profits, in addition to encouraging civilised development. In just the past year, Rosebud went from being an unincorporated community to a proper village, followed shortly after by the election for the current mayor, Anaiise.
Shellmount - A coastal Imp city that specializes in salt and seafood. They also have an aeroport for the Geist's zeppelins.
Taratos - Ruined island territory that was the location of the first battle in the 50 Year War.
Woodholm - Once a trading post, Woodholm was one of the first Imp cities to spring up within Graven's Gift.
The Northern Continent, also called Boreas, is home to the Litches. North of Snowgarden, it is an inhospitable and rugged expanse, full of jagged mountains, unforgiving ice deserts and dark, treacherous wilderness. Outside a few well maintained roads between the imp city of Woodholm and the major Litch cities travel between small towns is often difficult without magical aid.
Places of Interest:
The Sceptors - The mountain range cutting Boreas off from Euros, and ancestral home of the Chimera.
Snowgarden - Litch city, home of the Warden of the South.
Frostfyre - Litch city, home of the Warden of the West.
Death's Kiss - Litch city, home of the Warden of the East.
Southern Continent, also called Auster, is the homeland of the first Demons. It was once thought that the continent was covered in lush jungles and the original home of many races, but that has long since faded from memory as it is now covered, as far as anyone knows, in desert from coast to coast.
Places of Interest;
Summerforge - Ancestral home of the Demons, now completely in ruin.
An'Chiale - A Demon city that sprung up during the migration into Euros, An'Chiale lays at the edge of the harsh deserts of Auster.
Swirling Storms - Desert in the southwest of Auster. Until recently, it was impenetrable due to ceaseless sandstorms. Homeland of the Naga and Bakeneko.
The Eastern Continent, also called Zephyros, is the largest continent and homeland to the Baphomet, the Geists, the Fallen and once proud Grimm. It is a continent that is diverse as its people, with rolling farmlands, rocky plains, soaring mountains and sandy coastal deserts.
Places of Interest:
Alcyone - Ruined Baphomet city at the base of The Crown. it was once the Baphomet capital.
The Crown - The largest mountain range in Zephyros.
Moonspear - Seat of the Moonspear Rexhaven, located in the southwest.
Bramblecrown - Seat of the Bramblewood Rexhaven, located in the Bramblewood.
Elysia - Ruined Baphomet city.
Cassiel's Watch - City belonging to the Fallen. Located in the north.
The Winged Isle - Island belonging to the Fallen. Located north of Cassiel's Watch.
Valir - Ruined Geist capital city.
New Valir - The new up and coming capital of the Geists, thought still is being built. There's a rather extensive aeroport here, despite the city still being under construction.
Emall - Geist city and seat of one of the Princes. They specialize in mining.
Zayen - Geist city and seat of one of the Princes. They specialize in manufacturing.
Aynor - Geist city and seat of one of the Princes. They specialize in produce such as olives and grapes.
Quirth - Geist city and seat of one of the Princes. They specialize in fishing.
Ozryn - Geist city and seat of one of the Princes. It's also a resort town with wonderful weather.
Stormgate - Ruined Imp trade city, often used to trade with the Grimm.
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:59 pm
Below is a world with a rich, sprawling history of curses, bitter conquests and alliances forged from both desperation and friendship.
To reach each of the races' individual histories, you can find them in the In-Depth Race Guides.
Note: This history is ancient history and has been lost to everyone. No Nightmare knows about this history currently, and customer owned characters must follow this rule.
There was a time before the sky darkened in Below, during this time the race known as the Ancient Elves were the most advanced race in the world. They experimented with powerful magics and learned the art of opening rifts in time and space. During one of these experiments they came in contact with their sister world. The two worlds were very similar and only had minor divergences in their make up. One being that on one side they had a winged race that cooperated with the Elves and on the other a horned, spade tailed race.
The two sides freely exchanged ideas and even some of their populations, as the horned race and winged race could freely travel between as they did not exist in the other’s world and were mostly free of paradoxes. This was not true for the Elves though as they both had opposites on each side. As they both grew from the experience of having contact with their opposite timeline, experimentation became more rampant and dangerous.
During one of these experiments technology from one side of the portal was utilized by the other side and a massive explosion rocked the world down to it’s core. It darkened the sky and the magical fallout from it caused massive changes not only in the people and creatures inhabiting that side of the portal but in the very nature of the world itself.
Fearing they had doomed the world, the Elves of the darkening side, now developing a strange rot all over their bodies, attempted to flee through the portal to their counterparts on the other side. The Elves of the other world not wanting the contamination of the fallout, fearing what having so many duplicates would do to the fabric of time and space, and not having the resources to support an entire world’s population on top of their own, closed the portal from their side, trapping the now cursed Elves, later named Litches, and populations of Demons and Fallen on the “wrong” side of the portal.
The Litches, fearing what the other races would do if they discovered the truth, have done their best to hide the events of The Divergence by scattering the knowledge necessary for the creation of the portal and instituted a policy of isolationism for many centuries, giving rise to the Demon Empire.
As is to be expected, Below was not a land of pacifism and tranquility. With different cultures and races living on four relatively small continents, there were many instances of wars over land and resources.
It started simply enough; a plea for equal rights among the Demon territories. The rural areas were tired of being treated like second class citizens by their own government and united against the nobles and their own monarchy.
Once the prince became king he brought an end to the civil war by threatening the involvement of the Baphomet troops and his connections with the Imp cartels to bring the rebels back into the fold. It was also at this time he instituted a policy of “unification” among all the races of below. Many races were brought about with threats of trade embargoes and some even faced outright armed conflict.
A team of scientists found the lost tech of the Ancients (Litches), and used it to reopen the portal and establish contact with the Elves of Above. After a period of adjustment, the two began to trade once more. Above craved the high quality soul stones that can be stored for long periods of time, and offered more exotic food in return.
With the portals open once more, the Below and Above began to trade. While both Above and Below were on par technologically, both had a different approach. The Above much preferred the usage of magic to power their inventions, while the Below preferred crystals. Because of these differences, both began to see the others methods as inferior. The Above was far more vocal about wanting to educate the people of the Below to their ways, which led to some tensions between the worlds. Eventually, the tensions heightened around the time a trade deal of soul stones went awry. The Above had not received the correct amount, and with inflamed tempers, kidnapped Princess Elena of the Demons. This was not perhaps the wisest venture, as soon tensions escalated to war.
Fearing that they would face the brunt of the attacks, the Demons decided to lie to the Above, telling them that the powerful Grimm were on their side. The Grimm, facing a number of Daydream attacks, had no choice but to fight to defend their lands. This period did not last long, however, as a sleeping sickness unrelated to the war soon spread throughout the tribes, slowly driving the Grimm to extinction. Within 5 years, not a single Grimm was believed to remain.
10 years after the start of the war, however, the Above opened another portal above the Crown in order to gain resources they needed to continue the war. This was not met well by the Baphomet, who quickly called upon the Imps to assist them with defending their homelands. Realizing they could need more help, the Baphomet sought the help of the Chimera, promising them that they could take residence in the Crown, though were refused. Soon enough, the Above decided it was time to retaliate for the Demons coming to fight them on their turf, and began to firebomb various major cities. Among those targeted were Valir, Alcyone, Taratos, and Hyperes, all of which ended up being utterly destroyed. The bombing of Valir, and loss of the Crown Prince and his family, was ultimately what forced the Geists to join the war, though soon after the Litches and Fallen also joined in to help their brethren, thus involving every willing race in the war.
It wasn't long before Daydream's attempted to limit Nightmare's ability to reproduce. Slipping into Below, Daydream's tried to cast a spell to make all soul stones faulty, instead creating a curse that would make any child awoken in October mutated.
By the end of the war, both sides were not faring well. The Above was running low on soldiers, as their supply of soul stones was dwindling, while the Below, with their farmlands and major cities razed, was starving. With the breaking point of both worlds reached, it was the Fallen of both worlds who created a council to end the war. The terms of the treaty decreed that in return for soul stones, the Above would help supply the Below with an extra import of food to assist those starving. It was at this time that Princess Elena was also returned to her homeland, though she was horrified by what the war had done to her world.
Notable Military Units and Individuals:
The Black Company
When The Rallying occurred 10 years into the war, the Demons learning of the Litches' lax actions against their Necromancers, demanded that all practitioners be surrendered to them for execution, however a deal was made that those that would help in the war against Above would be granted full pardons for their crimes. While some chose death, in the end The Black Company was formed, comprised of 50 Litch Necromancers, some still teenage apprentices and others aged masters of the craft. After the loss of the Grimm these individuals became a key focus of Demon battle strategy against the invaders.
It wasn't long however until Above caught onto the significance of the black uniformed individuals and the policy among their troops became "Shoot the 'Mancer's first." As a result the unit suffered heavy losses, but not before they helped decide some key victories on Zephyros. Some even crossed the portals to fight in Above, but these individuals never returned.
The company became one of the most decorated units during the war, although many of those decorations were issued posthumously to it's members.
After the War
The deeds of The Black Company have mostly been classified by the military and it is hard to find anyone who knows of their existence or will admit to it. The pardons issued by the Demon government in actuality tied the recipients to a lifetime of military service in exchange for the right to continue to practice their craft.
The company currently comprises of only six 'Mancers, four are veterans of the war, and two are former apprentices taken on after the war by two of the surviving masters who have since died.
The unit for the most part spends their time cleaning up nests of wandering undead and wrathful spirits that are remnants of the war, and occasionally rogue 'Mancers in Boreas.
Since the end of the war, Nightmares have focused primarily on rebuilding. The Geists and Baphomet lost much of their lands in the war, including the once booming trade cities of Alcyone, Stormgate, and Valir.
During their efforts to rebuild, Imps assisting in the excavation of Alcyone found a massive, hidden cache of hundreds upon hundreds of soul stones, each imbued with waiting life. It was this Great Cache that forced the Academic Society of Asphodel to come into being. This society took responsibility for repopulating the ravaged population with new life and raising these orphaned Nightmares into a new and hopeful future for Below.
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:00 pm
The races of Below worship a pantheon of gods called The Nine. Each deity governs over different spheres of life and because of this, many Nightmares will certain ones as their patrons.
Kthonious, the Emperor. The leader of the Gods of Below, Kthonios embodies the benevolent ruler. He is wise, patient and generous, defending his realm and watching over his people. While understanding, he is not to be crossed, however, as he is also the one who doles out justice to those who threaten his realm, citizen or not. With an iron hand, he governs over authority, resolve, justice, hospitality, oaths, generosity and discipline.
Oreia, the Protector. Oreia is protection personified, often represented by mountains. She is the caring parent and the sacrificing guardian. Her duty is to lend her strength, courage, fortitude and grace to the realm, allowing them to weather the bad and live to see the good. She governs over the home, parenthood, family, defending the weak, nourishment and sacrifice.
Asteria, the Magician. Asteria is primarily a god of sorcery and hidden knowledge. She will guide us while we traverse the unknown, lending us her wit, sagacity and intuition. Her sphere is that of witchcraft, magic, alchemy, herbalism and prophecy, allowing us to better our lives through experimentation and discovery.
Kallistos, the Hunter. The hunt associated with Kallistos is not always literal – it encompasses all things we wish to find and capture. With his far-reaching bow, Kallistos aids those who desire, giving them the ambition, cunning and charisma to find what we seek, whether it be prey to nourish our family or a romantic interest. He governs over achievement, romance, searching and finding.
Mnemosyne, the Wise. Mnemosyne's sphere is that of gaining knowledge and utilizing it well. She governs over study and learning, but not only in a mental capacity – she is also prayed to for physical skill as well. As such, she is the master of dexterity, the skill associated with all arts, and practicing tirelessly until we are the master of our bodies.
Enyo, the Warrior. Enyo embodies both the chaos and ruthless cunning of war. While Kallistos is romance, she is burning passion. Where he is ambition, she is the ruthless conqueror. She will fight fiercely, but defend what is hers just as fiercely as well. She will assist in battles both literal and metaphorical, lending her passion and courage to the realm.
Eleuthereus the Liberator. Eleuthereus is a two-fold deity, as liberation can mean breaking free of those that wish to oppress you, but also reckless abandon, madness and chaos. He is the god of enjoyment and entertainment, embodying the passion and elation of drink, celebration and song. However, as he is found in the tipsy ecstasy of a good party, he is also found in the riot, the bar fight and the drunken rage. Because of this, many will ask him for his wisdom and temperance along with the liberation he provides.
Cyllenus, the Facilitator. The god of exchange, Cyllenus is the oil that keeps the gears of the realm moving. He is considered to be the busiest of the gods, as exchange is something both literal figurative. He is the exchange of goods, as the god of trade, but also the god of thieves. The exchange he governs can be that of ideas. As such, he is the god of language and writing. One will also pray to him for safe travel, as he is, when boiled down to his bare essence, the god of motion.
Eleusinia, the Empress. Eleusinia has many different roles. As the Empress, she is her stoic consort's warm counterpart, the diplomat and the forgiving ruler who wants the best for her people. However, she is also called "The Maiden" due to her youthful appearance and connection to life and vitality. In governing over life, she also governs over death, watching over the dead in her realm. One would pray to her for vitality, diplomacy, patience and courage in the face of mortality.
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:00 pm
After the 50 Year War, innumerable casualties on both sides have left populations to dwindle, but hope was found when a massive, hidden cache of Soul Stones were found beneath the ruined city of Alcyone. The discovery of these stones gave the Nightmares a means to repopulate their broken world.
However, the Nightmares that come from these stones must be given a place in the world. The Academic Society of Asphodel was founded to raise these orphans into well-rounded members of Below, resulting in the establishment of four schools – one boarding school for the younger Nightmares and three universities for the older.
Asphodel Gardens Academy is a boarding school for Nightmares in their most formative years. From teaching freshlings their numbers and colors to helping seniors gain independence, young Nightmares will find a guiding hand at this school.
Classes your Nightmare takes may include sciences, numerology, alchemy, mythology, history, performing arts, and literature.
Nightmare Academy takes pride in being able to take a young Nightmare's raw strengths and polish them into something extraordinary. When young Nightmares are first enrolled in Nightmare Academy, they are sorted using into one of three houses that each specialize in a particular talent.
This does not, however, mean that a Nightmare's future is set in stone. While the houses might specialize in certain qualities, such as practicality and creativity, it is up to a Nightmare to choose whatever path is right for them.
Houses have a point system that helps decide which house wins during the House Games. More can be read here.
Nightmare Academy has one headmaster; Adira. The Demon keeps the academy as safe as possible and has, since being appointed, ensured each and every child is given every chance to succeed.
Eldritch:
The House Eldritch values learning from the past above all else. The scholars of Eldritch often specialize in fields such as history, trade, divination, and philosophy. More can be read here.
Arkham:
Students of the house Arkham will find themselves challenged to show creativity. The scholars of Arkham often specialize in fields such as fine arts, performing arts, language, and literature. More can be read here.
Enoch:
In the house Enoch, students are taught to learn from facts and logic. The scholars of Enoch often specialize in fields such as numerology, science, alchemy, and engineering. More can be read here.
After attending the Academy, Nightmares can choose to find work and start a family, but many attend one of the three Universities that replaced many of the ruined schools found in Below. Each Nightmare from Asphodel Gardens Academy may attend any one of the three Universities for free, so long as they keep their grades up. At University, a Nightmare will gain many skills to help them navigate the world and live successful lives.
Asterion University:
Outside the ruined city of Hyperes, Asterion focuses primarily on Nightmare culture and the sciences. History, law, medicine, chemistry, and biology are some of the majors a Nightmare may pursue when attending Asterion University. More can be read here.
The dean of Asterion University is Dean Stephyn Esprek.
Grendel University:
Among the rolling hills of Asphodel Fields sits Grendel, a university with a focus in the many arts important to Below. Majors include architecture, music, design, fine art, literature and writing. More can be read here.
The dean of Grendel University is Dean Carrigan Peltz.
Leviathan University:
Tucked away in the valley of The Maiden's Wreath, Leviathan University is a place for Nightmares to learn about anything magic. Majors available here include magical theory, illusions, divinations, rune making, healing magics and theory of necormancy. More can be read here.
The dean of Leviathan University is Dean Corona Amphorus.
Located all over Below, community colleges are for Nightmares of all ages, from academy students wishing to get some college experience without the pressure of one of the big universities to anyone just wishing to expand their horizons. More can be read here.
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:01 pm
The realm of Above is, in essence, the near opposite of Below. While Below is bathed in twilight even at its brightest hours, Above has a bright sun to illuminate its lush, green expanses of enchanted forests and rolling, verdant meadows. It is home to as diverse a population as Below, calling themselves Daydreams.
This section will be expanded as the Nightmares learn more about their races and cultures.
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:02 pm
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Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:03 pm
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